Apparatus for making talking motion picture film



|-|.- E. CHIPMAN Jan. 19, 1932.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING TALKING MOTION PICTURE FILM Filed March 12 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR Q BY A b llln. v ATTORNEY Jan, 19, 1932. H. EJCHIPMAN 1,841,595

APPARATUS FOR BAKING TALKING MOTION PICTURE FILM Filed March 12, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 u :1 m nuuu N 1 I 03 Lam D'Cl: uunng N f a 'INVENTOR w 2 Jan. 1932. cH P 1,841,595

APPARATUS FOR MAKING TALKINGMOTQION PICTURE FILM Filed March 12, 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR A TTORNEY mew ore are 2 HARRY OHIPMAN, OI SPRIIIGFlIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNQR, BY DIRECT AND MESNE ASSIGNMEHT$TO ANDREW LE ROY CHIIPMAN, OF NEW YORK, N; Y.

APPARATUS son. MAKING ran-inneirorron PICTURE FILM Application filed. March 12, 1924.;'Seria1 No. 698,588.

:. Thisrin'vention relates to method of and apparatus 'for 'making talking motion picdurable'in construction.

my invention 'wlll be in part obvious and in ture film.

' In an application filed by me ,J anuary 26, 5 1921, Serial No 4239,9121 have disclosed a processand apparatus for producing and re-' producing talking motion pictures by means of. a film which is substantially the sameas anordinary motion picture film, except that the film carries longitudinally along its length one or more magnetizablemetallic ribbons by means of which sounds may be produced and reproduced.

The principal object of this inventionis to provide a method and apparatus for makingv quickly, eificiently, and without great expense, talking motion picture film, which is especially well suited for the production and reproduction of talking motion pictures, and which will withstand. handling and use without injury or impairment to its talkingproperties, and a film which is simple and Other objects of part pointed out hereinafter.

p In carrying outmy method, I take a mo tion picture film, preferably of any ordinary type, adapted for the production and reproduction of motion pictures, and securely at:

tached lengthwise on this film one or more strips of magnetizable material, such .as spring steel, which is suitable for the production and reproduction of sounds. The talk-- ing material is so placed on the motion picture film as to interfere with picture pro-' duction and reproduction. I have found that the metallic talking ribbon may be attached to the motion picture film in'a suitable manner bymeans of a bond comprising cementitious material, preferably using three coatings or layers of this material, one applied between the motion picture film and the talking ribbon and two layers subsequently flowed over the applied-ribbon.

A suitable apparatus for making such talking motion picture film may comprise an ap paratus for suitably cementing the talking ribbon on the film, the apparatus preferably being adaptedto operate continuously while advancingv motion'picture film and. the talk ing strips from suitable reels simultaneously throughthe machine, and feeding the talk-- ingmotlon picture film so produced onto a suitable drying drum for thefinal drying of the cement. a U

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims. r

In order that a clearer understandingof my invention maybe had, attention is here by'directed to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and illustrating one possible embodiment of my-invention. Referring to the drawings, Fig. fl

is a diagrammatical side elevation of an approducing' talking motion pic ture film; Fig. 21s a vertical sectional view.

paratus for of the apparatus and is taken on the line 22of Fig. 1;Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus and istaken on the line 3,,3 of Fig. l;"Fig. 4 isa vertical sectional view of the apparatus and is taken on the line l l of Fig; 1 ;'Fig. 5 is an end view of a portion of the apparatus; Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the film, illustrating the several steps of the method of production, the film being shown broken apart longitudinally along. its center; Fig. 7 is asectional view of a fragment of the motion picturc film alone; Fig. 8 is a similar view of the film showing the first layer of cement applied thereto; Fig. 9 is a similar View showing the talking ribbon applied; FiglO is a similar view showing a layer of cement applied over the talking ribbon; Fig. 11 is a similar view showinganother and final coating of cement applied; and Figurel2 is an end View of a portion of the apparatus showing in particular the drying drum and its mounting. Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings Referring to Figs. 6 to 11 inclusive, in care rying out my method, I takea motion picture film, whichmay be of any usual type, having a transparent base 1, such "a's'a suitable py roxylin composition, carrying on one side suitable photographic emulsion 2. The talking motion picture film comprises this motion picture film with one or more strips or ribbons of magnetizable material, such as thin spring steel, securely attached to the motion picture film, preferably on the emulsioned side thereof, and extending longitudinally along the length of the film at a place where it will not interfere with the production and reproduction of motion pictures on and from the photographic film. My process of combining such metallic ribbon and motion picture film comprises first placing a suitable ribbon of suitable cementitious substance 3, such as cement or other suitable adhesive, along the emulsioned side of the motion picture film, as shown in Figs. 6 and 8; then laying the metallic talking ribbon l on the cement layer 3; then, as shown in Figs. 6 and 10, placing another coat of cementitious material 5 over the ribbon and when this coat 5 has become suitably dry, applying another coat 6 of cementitious material over the coating The three coats of cement bond the metallic ribbon rin place on the motion picture film in a sat actory and permanentmanner. These steps are preferably carried out in a dark room. so not to spoil the sensitiveness of the emulsion 2. A film produced in accordance with my i vention presents the photographic emulsion in a satisfactory manner for the production and reproduction of motion pictures, and the talking ribbon 4i thereon is properly presented for the production and reproduction of sounds in exact synchronism with the pictures of the photographic film. Although. I have described the method witl. reference to a talking motion picture film having a single talking strip, T preferably incorporate two parallel talking strips on the film, the second strip being applied in the same manner as above described.

A suitable apparatus for carrying out the above method and for producing the talking motion picture film may comprise means for feeding the motion picture film from a suitable reel; means for applying the first line of cement thereto; means for feeding the talking ribbon from a suitable reel; means for embedding the'talking ribbon in this line of cement; means for flowing further cement over the laid talking ribbon; means for applying another coat of cement over the last coat after it has become suihciently dry; and a drying drum upon which the film winds to effect the drying of the cement; the means for feeding the photographic film and talk ing ribbon preferably effecting the continuous feed of the photographic film and the talking strip through th apparatus in proper synchronism, and progressively winding the film on t is drying drum, whereby the film is properly disposed for the drying of the cement.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, the various parts of the apparatus may be mounted on a suitable table or supporting structure 10. At one end of this structure is a pair of standards 11 which carry a shaft 12, the end of which, 13, extends outside of the standards, and on which a reel 14: for motion picture film 15 may be mounted and removably secured, as by pin 16. A spring pressed friction device 17 is associated with the shaft 12 so as to frictionally impede rotation of the reel 14, and to place the film 15 under suitable tension to prevent it from unrceling too fast.- From the reel 14 the film strip 15 passes between two positioning rollers 18 which are suitablycarried on supports 19. The film 15 then passes beneath a suitable cement tank 20, then beneath a roller 21, which is sup ported by standards 22, then over a guide roller 23, which is rotatably mounted on standards 24, then under a spring pressed plunger 25 which bears downwardly on the upper surface of the film, then beneath a second cement tank 26, and then over a guide roller 27 rotatably supported on standards 28. From this point the strip 15 traverses some distance through the air, then turns about a pulley 29 carried on standards 30, then returns and passes around pulley 31 supported on a frame 32, by which time the sec ond cement coat has become partially dry, and the film passes beneath a third cement tank 33 and over aroller 34:, which is mounted on standards 35. From here the strip 15 passes into engagement with a take-up sprocket 36 of usual construction, having teeth which engage in the sprocket holes 37 of the film strip. From this sprocket strip 15 feeds onto a rotatably mounted drying drum 38.

The talking ribbon 39, of suitable magnetizable material, such as special high carbon spring steel, is carried on reel l0, which is mounted on a shaft 4C1 and is removably fixed thereto, as by pin 42. Shaft a1 is rotatably mounted in the framework 32 and has associated therewith a suitable friction device 43 which impedes the rotation of the reel 40 to place proper tension on the ribbon 39 as it unwinds from the reel. and prevents the ribbon from unreeling too fast. From the reel 40 the ribbon 39 passes over guide rollers 44; which are carried on arms 45, and then passes downward and beneath the roller 21, whereby it is superimposed in proper position and location on the photographic strip 15 and on the first application of cement placed on the film by the cement tank 20. From this point the ribbon 39 moves with the strip 15 in integral relation therewith. The pressure member 25 presses the strip 39 firmly into the first cement coating or line and against the strip 15. The cement tank 26 applies coating or line of cement over the strip 39 as it moves under this tank. This coating dries to a suitable extent durpasses from this tank'to the tank 38.

l well suited fort ing the time which elapses while the film Then, as the filmtravels' along, the tank 33 applies another coating or line of cement over the coating supplied by the tank 26.

Themotion picture film l5 and the talking ribbon 89 are continuously drawn from their respective reels and through the apparatus by means of a suitable power device which may be driven either manually, mechanically or electrically. Preferably I employ an electric motor 46. This motor has a belt drive connection l'lwith a pulley 48 fixed on a suitably mounted rotatable shaft 49. A worm 50 on this shaft is in mesh with a worm gear 51 secured to another rotatable shaft 52, on which is fixed the drive sprocket 36 which engages the perforations 37 in the film and which, when rotating, pulls the film through the apparatus. The rotatably mounted drying drum 38 may also be driven from this shaft 52 by means of a friction wheel 54, which rests on the outer surface of the drum, the wheel being secured'to a suitably mountedrotatable shaft' 55, which is rotated from the shaft 5:2 tl'lrough a suit-. able belt connection 56, the speed of rotation of the drum being, of course, appropriate to the rate of speed of the film by the sprocket 36. The belt 53 and the pulleys move the drum in a horizontal direction in exact proportion as the friction pulley 54 dryes the drum rotatably. The shaft 55 which passes through the centre of the drum is, in fact,

a screw, having for a bearing at each end of the drum a threaded nut 38 through. a it passes, and as the shaft orscrew rotate an opposite direction to which the friction pulley 54: rotates the drum, it moves the drum in a horizontal direction, always keeping a bare portion of the crum in line with the sprocket 36, so that as the sprocket feeds the ribbon to the drum, it will wind the film on the drum, with the layers side'by side, and will not allow one layer to ride over a other.

The cement tanks 20, 26 and 33 preferably oischarge their contents through valves .which are manuallyadjustable, and thereby the feed and flow of the cement from each tank may be regulated. Also,preferably, the apparatusis arranged to fees simultaneously two talking ribbons 39, and to combine both of these ribbons with the motion picture film simultaneously. To this end t v rious guide rollers are designed to guide both such talking strips, and each of the cement tanks is provided with two discharge nozzles so as to feed the cementiii, rial for both talking strips. he drew illustrate an apparatus for incorpora. such two talking strips 39 with a photographic film 15 in such positions tl oil that the photographic film will he s production and reprodue shown in um accompanying drawings shall be interpreted asillustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What I claim is Y a '1. In an apparatus. for making sound film,

in combination, means for feeding motion picture film, means for feeding talking ribbon, means for applying cementitious material to the motion picture film, means for embedding the talking ribbon in the applied cementitious material, a drying drum for the film, and means for progressively and spirally winding the film on said drum, whereby the film is properly disposed for the drying of the cement.

2. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, a reel for delivering motion picture film, a second reel for delivering talk ing ribbon, means engaging said film for feeding the film and ribbon through the apparatus simultaneously, means, comprising a cement tank, forplacing a strip of cement on said filmas it is fed through the apparatus, and resilient means for embedding the talking ribbon in said applied cement asthe film and It has been found that somemotion picture film, a reel adapted to deliver.

talking ribbon, a sprocket wheel engaging said film, means for rotating said sprocket to the apparatus, means comprising a cement tank for placing cement on said film as it is fed through the apparatus, means comprising a resilient'element and a cooperating guide roller for embedding the talking ribbon in said applied cement as the film and ribbon are fed through the apparatus, means comprising a. second cement tank for placing coating of cement over said applied ribbon, means comprising a third cement tank foriplacing a coatingof cement over said last coating after xsaid"cementitious material last applied has been subjected to a drying action, a drying drum for the film,

and means for rotating the drying drum in synchronism w th the feed of the film and ribbon through the machine for winding the l film on said drum for the dry in of the cement 4 l at i applied thereto.

7 feed the film and ribbon continuously through V 4. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, means for feeding motion picture film, means for applying cementitious material thereto, means for placing magnetic sound material over said cementitious material, and a pair of cooperating pressure elements for em' edding said magnetic material in the cementitious material.

5. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, means for feeding motion picture film, means for placing a strip of cementitious material along a side edge of said film, means for embedding a magnetic sound record in said cementitious material, and means for placing a second strip 01": eementitious material over said magnetic material.

6. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, means for feeding motion picture film, means for placing a strip of cementitious material along a side edge of said film, means for embedding a magnetic sound record in said cementitious material, means for flowing a second strip of cementitious material over said sound record, and means for flowing third strip of cementitious material over said second strip after said strip last applied has been subjected to a drying action.

7. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, a reel adapted to carry motion picture film, a reel adapted to carry talking ribbon, means for applying a strip of cementitious material along a side edge of said film, means for embedding said talking ribbon in said cementitious material, means associated with each o1 said reels operative to frictionally retard the rotation thereof and means adapted to engage the film to draw the film and ribbon continuously through the apparatus.

8. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, means for applying cementitious material to the picture film, means for embedding a magnetic sound record in said cementitious material, a drying drum for the film, and means for spirally winding the film on said drum.

9. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, means for applying cementitious material to the picture film, means tor embedding a magnetic sound record in said cementitious material, a drying drum for the film, means for rotating said drum, and means for shifting said drum during the rotation thereof so as to cause the film to spirally wind thereon whereby the film is properly disposed fgr the drying of the cement.

10. In an apparatus for making sound film, in combination, a reel adapted to carry motion picture film, a reel adapted to carry talking ribbon, means for applying a strip of cementitious material to said film, means for embedding said talking ribbon in said ccmentitious material, means adapted to engage the film to draw the film and ribbon continuously through the apparatus, a drying drum for the film, and means for spirally winding the film on said drum.

This specification signed this tenth day of March, 1924.

HARRY E. CHIPMAN. 

